Theory And Health Promotion
The main ideal presented in the article: The development of theory has not progressed as quickly as the practice of health promotion. There are three main reasons for this lack of theory: 1) theory is developed in an evidence-based paradigm rather than a practice-based paradigm, 2) the majority of theories related to health and at an individual level, and 3) nurse practitioners do not have adequate access to levels of theory related to health promotion. New theories must be practice-based as opposed to evidence-based.
Summary of the material presented in the article: As the need for theory to develop at the pace of health promotion increases, there are a few steps that should be taken to aid in this process. Theory should be grounded in practice where a program, or in this case a theory, is adopted, implemented and evaluated where any changes can be made. The theory should be developed on the level of an individual. Finally, theory should be “accessible” to practitioners. More literature and information would allow the practitioner to more readily adapt a health promotion theory. If a goal of reducing morbidity and mortality through heath promotion is sought after, a theory can be developed to aid in care.
Synthesis of the material presented in the article: The development of theory related to health promotion is an issue that needs to be addressed in nursing. The method of doing so that is discussed in this article is very similar to the ADPIE (Assess, Develop, Plan, Implement, Evaluate) method that nurses are taught to use. By grounding this information in practice a theory could be more readily developed because there is not much literature revolving on the subject matter. Making literature form the academic standpoint more available to practitioners would allow for the process of implementation in practice to begin, and theory development to be achieved.
Thoughts most interesting to me and why: The article discusses grounding the development of the theory in practice as opposed to evidence. As nurses we are taught that evidence based practice is the framework for everything we do. Because this theory has yet to be developed, there is not much evidence to support it, therefore we much first develop the theory in the practice setting. It is almost a foreign concept to think of theory development from this aspect. It seems to be the opposite of what I have previously learned.
Author’s purpose: The author is attempting to raise awareness on theory development in health promotion. There has not been much research on the subject in the past; therefore emphasis is being placed on practice based learning. By doing so, practitioners will have access to the necessary information to implement in practice and with time decrease morbidity and mortality.
Assumptions author makes: The author assumes that by developing a theory of health promotion, healthcare providers will in turn be able to decrease morbidity and mortality. Although this is our ultimate goal, it is not necessarily achievable, especially in the beginning stages of implementation. By encouraging health promotion there is a chance that certain disease processes can and will be prevented. The extent that this will influence morbidity and mortality is unknown.
How this article helps me understand concepts important to nurse practitioners: Focus is placed on making this information available to practitioners. I do agree with the fact that just because there is information revolving on the subject at hand, does not mean that practitioners have access to it. By making this information more available, practitioners have the ability to implement it into practice and monitor for a change in patient health.
Potential implications of material presented in the article for nursing practice/education and EBP: In nursing practice we must remember that everything we do has a reason. This article is discussing determining the practice before we necessarily have a reason, which is a difficult concept for most nurses to grasp. In theory development it is a process that must take place. Education on theory development in EBP is very important for nurses. This could be a great learning opportunity for nursing students.
Question raised to me by this article: Ultimately, this article made me ask why there is not a theory regarding health promotion and why there is not much literature available on the subject? Is it because until recently we focused on secondary and tertiary treatment of patients? A recent effort made by the government to promote health and prevent disease has become an important issue for healthcare providers. Could this be the drive for such theory development?
Reference
Crosby, R., & Noar, S. (2010). Theory development in health promotion: Are we there yet?. Journal Of Behavioral Medicine, 33(4), 259-263. doi:10.1007/s10865-010-9260-1
The main ideal presented in the article: The development of theory has not progressed as quickly as the practice of health promotion. There are three main reasons for this lack of theory: 1) theory is developed in an evidence-based paradigm rather than a practice-based paradigm, 2) the majority of theories related to health and at an individual level, and 3) nurse practitioners do not have adequate access to levels of theory related to health promotion. New theories must be practice-based as opposed to evidence-based.
Summary of the material presented in the article: As the need for theory to develop at the pace of health promotion increases, there are a few steps that should be taken to aid in this process. Theory should be grounded in practice where a program, or in this case a theory, is adopted, implemented and evaluated where any changes can be made. The theory should be developed on the level of an individual. Finally, theory should be “accessible” to practitioners. More literature and information would allow the practitioner to more readily adapt a health promotion theory. If a goal of reducing morbidity and mortality through heath promotion is sought after, a theory can be developed to aid in care.
Synthesis of the material presented in the article: The development of theory related to health promotion is an issue that needs to be addressed in nursing. The method of doing so that is discussed in this article is very similar to the ADPIE (Assess, Develop, Plan, Implement, Evaluate) method that nurses are taught to use. By grounding this information in practice a theory could be more readily developed because there is not much literature revolving on the subject matter. Making literature form the academic standpoint more available to practitioners would allow for the process of implementation in practice to begin, and theory development to be achieved.
Thoughts most interesting to me and why: The article discusses grounding the development of the theory in practice as opposed to evidence. As nurses we are taught that evidence based practice is the framework for everything we do. Because this theory has yet to be developed, there is not much evidence to support it, therefore we much first develop the theory in the practice setting. It is almost a foreign concept to think of theory development from this aspect. It seems to be the opposite of what I have previously learned.
Author’s purpose: The author is attempting to raise awareness on theory development in health promotion. There has not been much research on the subject in the past; therefore emphasis is being placed on practice based learning. By doing so, practitioners will have access to the necessary information to implement in practice and with time decrease morbidity and mortality.
Assumptions author makes: The author assumes that by developing a theory of health promotion, healthcare providers will in turn be able to decrease morbidity and mortality. Although this is our ultimate goal, it is not necessarily achievable, especially in the beginning stages of implementation. By encouraging health promotion there is a chance that certain disease processes can and will be prevented. The extent that this will influence morbidity and mortality is unknown.
How this article helps me understand concepts important to nurse practitioners: Focus is placed on making this information available to practitioners. I do agree with the fact that just because there is information revolving on the subject at hand, does not mean that practitioners have access to it. By making this information more available, practitioners have the ability to implement it into practice and monitor for a change in patient health.
Potential implications of material presented in the article for nursing practice/education and EBP: In nursing practice we must remember that everything we do has a reason. This article is discussing determining the practice before we necessarily have a reason, which is a difficult concept for most nurses to grasp. In theory development it is a process that must take place. Education on theory development in EBP is very important for nurses. This could be a great learning opportunity for nursing students.
Question raised to me by this article: Ultimately, this article made me ask why there is not a theory regarding health promotion and why there is not much literature available on the subject? Is it because until recently we focused on secondary and tertiary treatment of patients? A recent effort made by the government to promote health and prevent disease has become an important issue for healthcare providers. Could this be the drive for such theory development?
Reference
Crosby, R., & Noar, S. (2010). Theory development in health promotion: Are we there yet?. Journal Of Behavioral Medicine, 33(4), 259-263. doi:10.1007/s10865-010-9260-1